I came across an interesting article and I felt the need to share, naturally!
It seems the Ag industry has a wonderful advocate for our technology advancements.
As agriculturalists we sometime worry that the activists are gaining ground. We tend to sit back and watch everything unfold until recent years where we have decided to stand up, take action, and tell the story of our farms for ourselves.
It seems Bill Gates is one of those who is advocating for agriculture. He encourages our use of technology to feed the hungry world.
“We have to think hard about how to start taking advantage of the digital revolution that is driving innovation including in farming,” Gates said. “If you care about the poorest, you care about agriculture. We believe that it’s possible for small farmers to double and in some cases even triple their yields in the next 20 years while preserving the land.”
Gates’ foundation has committed $2 billion for farmers over the years, and in Rome he announced $200 million in new grants to finance research on a new type of drought-resistant maize, a vaccine to help livestock farmers and a project for training farmers.
“You should go out and talk to people growing rice and (ask) do they mind that it was created in a laboratory when their child has enough to eat?” Gates said. “The change in the way mankind lives over the last several hundred years is based on adoption of innovative practices and we simply haven’t done enough for those in the greatest need to bring these things (into use).”
I believe the points he makes are completely valid points and is often my argument when it comes to feeding the world. When you ask the hungry if they mind where their food comes from- they don’t care. They care that they are getting enough to eat.
Just some food for thought!
Ethan says
It seems his comments were directed towards policies that happen in the developing world, not the U.S. His comments backed using genetically engineered crops in developing countries. So not sure why you like the article so much. Can you explain?
SDFarmWife says
Totally Ethan! His comments were directed towards both farming in the US and also in developing countries. What I love so much about the article is that he is a supporter of GMO’s and he understands the importance of feeding the hungry on a large scale basis. Which is really hard for some people to understand. Supporting locally and organically is great..I support all farmers- but when it comes to feeding so many people, since the world population is over 7 billion, we have to continue to advance with GMO’s and also with technology. He supports this, which is great for farmers, because at times our technology advancements are frowned upon. I like that he is supportive in the US and also other developing countries because I believe in working together to continue to increase the food supply as efficiently and safely as possible. Let me know if I didn’t answer your question completely!
SDFarmWife says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lana Wallpe says
Great post! I’m going to share it! LOVE THE MESSAGE!
Anonymous says
Bill Gates isn’t your friend, folks. He is totally for human depopulation – that means “culling” of those they deem ‘useless’.
http://www.google.com/search?um=1&hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1018&bih=502&q=bill%20gates%20funds%20depopulation%20&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw&ei=7S2XT7vvG5Se8QSR-4mlDg
And then – check out the websites/articles about “Bill Gates” and “Agenda 21” – and get comfy.
http://www.google.com/search?um=1&hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1018&bih=502&q=bill%20gates%20funds%20depopulation%20&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw&ei=7S2XT7vvG5Se8QSR-4mlDg#hl=en&gs_nf=1&gs_mss=bill%20gates%20funds%20a&pq=bill%20gates%20funds%20depopulation%20&cp=26&gs_id=5s&xhr=t&q=bill+gates+funds+agenda+21&pf=p&biw=1018&bih=502&sclient=psy-ab&oq=bill+gates+funds+agenda+21&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=93079f9b04cb97ac
Anonymous says
Sorry that link was so long – didn’t know how else to post it.